The essential reference for selecting, using, and interpreting methods and results related to human parasitic infections

This major work by Lynne Garcia, a recognized authority on diagnostic parasitology, has been completely updated to include the dramatic changes that have occurred in the field of diagnostic medical parasitology over the past decade. Diagnostic Medical Parasitology, Sixth Edition, features newly recognized human parasites, improved diagnostic techniques defined by new regulatory requirements, implementation of testing based on molecular techniques, expanded tables and color photographs, and the latest information on parasitic infections.

Diagnostic Medical Parasitology contains two sections within this single volume. The first provides clear, concise diagnostic procedures for clinical laboratory use, including ordering and collection recommendations, techniques for parasite recovery and identification that are relevant throughout the world. This section also thoroughly examines the pros and cons of various diagnostic options, including extensive report comments for result clarification and enhancement.

The second section presents comprehensive discussions of common and uncommon individual human parasites. It provides information related to life cycle, morphology, and clinical disease in both the immunocompetent and immunocompromised patient including diagnosis, treatment, epidemiology, and prevention. There are also expanded sections on artifacts, case histories, and histologic findings that provide discussion and tips related to potential diagnostic problems. Both book sections feature extensive color illustrations related to each technique and parasite presented, as well as expanded color plates of human parasites.

"Diagnostic Medical Parasitology is a critical reference for every microbiology laboratory. It covers all aspects of human medical parasitology and provides detailed, comprehensive, relevant diagnostic methods in one volume. The color images are fantastic for use in assisting you in the identification of parasites. To ensure that your microbiology personnel are employing practical quality procedures in the area of parasitology, you need this book!"

Diagnostic Procedures

With the expansion of world travel and increased access to more varied geographic areas and populations, medical and laboratory professionals will continue to see more “tropical” diseases and infections in nonendemic areas. This is due to the rapidity with which both people and organisms can be conveyed from one place to another. Travel has become available and more affordable for many people throughout the world, including those who are in some way compromised in terms of their overall health status. The increased transportation of infectious agents, as well as potential human carriers, has been clearly demonstrated, particularly via air travel. It has also been well documented that vectors carrying parasitic organisms can be transported via air travel in baggage and in the unpressurized parts of the plane itself; once released, these infected vectors can then transmit these parasites to humans, even in nonendemic areas.

Chemotherapy plays a very important role not only in reducing patient morbidity and mortality but also in reducing transmission of the parasitic infection. Many of the drugs used to treat parasitic infections have serious side effects; therefore, before initiation of therapy, it is important to consider the following factors: health of the patient, parasite drug resistance, accuracy of the original dose, potential drug toxicity, and the need for follow-up examinations to monitor therapy. The mechanisms of action of most antiparasitic drugs are not well known, including those involving potential drug toxicity to the patient. Because of the limited resources of developing nations, where a majority of parasitic infections occur, there is little commercial incentive for developing effective therapeutics or vaccines. For some drugs, such as triclabendazole, used extensively in veterinary practices, less is known about adverse side effects or toxicity to humans. Specific information can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC Drug Service, Atlanta, GA (day, 404-639-3670; evenings, weekends, and holidays, 404-639-2888). One can also obtain drugs from CDC that are not commercially available in the United States.

Although common names are frequently used to describe parasitic organisms, these names may represent different parasites in different parts of the world. To eliminate these problems, a binomial system of nomenclature is used in which the scientific name consists of the genus and species. On the basis of life histories and morphology, systems of classification have been developed to indicate the relationships among the various parasite species.